Cuthbert beat England on one leg! Wales wing out for six weeks after hamstring tear

England's Grand Slam challenge was destroyed by a player effectively operating on one leg, it emerged last night.

Wales retained their RBS Six Nations title on Saturday with a record 30-3 victory over Stuart Lancaster's side, inspired by a decisive two-try burst from wing Alex Cuthbert.

The 22-year-old, who has just signed a new deal with Cardiff Blues, told Sportsmail: 'I tore my hammy after about 30 minutes - it's a grade-two tear, so I was struggling for the rest of the game.'

Sidelined: Wales' Alex Cuthbert is to be out for six weeks

The Wales management had considered
replacing Cuthbert at half-time, but he soldiered on and made the key
scores at the Millennium Stadium.

As he faces up to a month out of
action, the prolific finisher added: ‘I was quite pleased that I managed
to sprint in for the first try.

‘I was surprised that I was able to run in the way I did, rather than just fall over!

‘I went to the physio and said that it
was really hurting, but I just dug in and the adrenaline of the big
game got me through it. I could always feel it though.

In the thick of it: Cuthbert was right at the heart of Wales' memorable victory over England

Doubling up: Cuthbert touches down for his second try

Winning smile: Cuthbert holds the Six Nations trophy

'I remember after I
ran in the second try, it was hurting a lot. After that, I had to chase
a kick and I could hardly run because my leg was so painful.

‘At half-time, they (the coaches and
physios) asked me how I was feeling and I told them I was fine to carry
on. I had it strapped up and kept going. I just had to manage it really,
but I made sure I stayed on.

‘Maybe it could have been a totally different story if I had gone off!’

While the injury could threaten
Cuthbert’s prospects of being picked for the Lions tour, he is
optimistic that he can recover in time to make the cut for the trip to
Australia.

He said: ‘I should be out for about
four weeks. It’s coming on quite well, so I’m hoping to be back in time
for the last two games of the Rabo (PRO12 league). Obviously I want to
play again before the end of the season.’

Cuthbert’s willingness to battle on
helped Wales, and he is providing more good news for his country.

As
Test team-mate George North considers a move to Northampton — continuing
a trend of leading players leaving the regional sides — England’s
executioner has agreed a new contract with the Blues, despite offers
from French clubs.

‘I’ve just re-signed for another three years,’ he said. ‘I enjoy living in Cardiff and this is the best place for me to develop.

‘It’s nice when a lot of clubs want you, but I decided that I’m happy where I am.’

'Grade two strain': It is Cuthbert's hamstring that is proving the problem